Staying out of the sun is the best way to avoid sun damage, but most of us go outdoors regularly. So when you go outside, take these precautions:
– Always wear sunscreen. Apply it on your skin every day. Make it a habit, as you do with brushing your teeth.
– Avoid sun in the middle of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburn, are strongest during this time.
– Wear protective clothing. When you do go outdoors, especially for long periods in the middle of the day. Long sleeves and slacks, as well as a wide-brimmed hat, help protect your body against the sun’s harmful effects.
– Wear sunglasses that filter UV light.
What is SPF in sunscreen?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number tells you how well the product will protect you from UVB, the burning rays of the sun. (Most sunscreens also absorb ultraviolet “A” rays, or UVA.) The higher the SPF number, the greater the amount of protection. Everyone should use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If you have had a skin cancer or precancer, you should use sunscreen with an even higher SPF. Many of the new sunscreens have SPFs of 45 or higher.
How to treat a sunburn
Sunburn can cause severe discomfort and damage. Follow our tips on First Aid for sunburn to ease discomfort and aid skin repair:
– Rest the casualty in a cool and shady place
– Place under a cool shower, in a cool bath or sponge with cool water for 10 minutes. Repeat if it helps decrease discomfort
– Apply cool gauze padding to the burnt area
– Give the casualty cold water
– Seek medical assistance for infants and casualties with blisters
Please note that regular First Aid and CPR Training is the best way to make sure that you’re prepared in the case of an emergency. Book a course with us by clicking this link: https://calendly.com/abfirstaid
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